Switzerland banished their Round-of-16 demons after outlasting Colombia to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Switzerland had suffered three consecutive exits in the last 16 and five in their past six appearances at the same stage of the showpiece tournament, but the European nation prevailed 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw with Colombia in Vancouver, Canada on Wednesday (AEST).

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Ruben Vargas scored the winning penalty as Switzerland advanced to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, earning a date with Lionel Messi’s defending champions Argentina.

He spared Manuel Akanji’s blushes after the Switzerland defender skied his attempt over the crossbar as he dropped to the floor in despair, having seen Colombia captain Davison Sanchez cannoned his effort into the bar.

Gregor Kobel made a huge save, though, to deny Cucho Hernandez as Vargas went on to send the Swiss through to the last eight.

“Penalties is an absolute lottery. Some awful penalties, some very cool penalties,” former England international Dion Dublin said via BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The most important one was Ruben Vargas, cool head, sticks it in the corner, Switzerland get through.

“How? I don’t know but they are through. When it gets to penalties, it is a bit of a lottery.”

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It comes after Colombia wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead in extra time.

Jaminton Campaz failed to convert in a one-on-one situation in the latter stages of extra time in a moment described as “miss of the tournament” by LaLiga London on X.

“Campaz has got the goalkeeper to beat from eight yards, he should be scoring with that left foot of his,” Dublin said. “That is possibly the best chance of the game and that falls to a quality player who gets it all wrong.”

Co-commentator Matt Holland added: “He will look back and thing if his team don’t get through to the quarter-finals, that chance he had… one on one with the goalkeeper.

“He will be living that through his mind forever.”